Sam Farr visits Monarch Community School

SANTA CRUZ -- As Monarch Community School students lined up outside the school library to hear Rep. Sam Farr speak, librarian Jolene Kemos wanted to thoroughly prepare them.

"This is a big deal," Kemos said to the excited children.

Farr, D-Carmel, hosted a meeting with kindergarten through sixth-grade students at Monarch Community School's library Wednesday morning. The event was part of a trimester-long theme on democracy, elections and civic participation.

"We try to bridge school and the community," said teacher Michelle McKinney, noting the school simultaneously studies the same curriculum at grade-appropriate levels.

Farr addressed various topics in front of the 90 students including gun control, environmental issues and how voting works. Farr said he visits about one school per week, which he said is an integral part of his work as a representative.

"I try to be a part of their lesson plan, and to make sure the kids are learning from the visit," Farr said.

Farr entered the library as the students attentively sat on a carpet detailed with the alphabet. A banner they made stating "Welcome Sam Farr" faced the lawmaker.

"Good morning," Farr said to the students. "Are all of you awake? Fired up? Ready to go?"

Farr started his talk by discussing his role as a representative. He talked about the differences between state and federal law, asking the students various questions to keep them engaged.

"Do you know what laws are?" Farr said. "Do you have any rules at the school?"

Students raised their hands, providing various examples of school guidelines such as feeling safe, secure and respecting others.

"These are really complicated rules; do you have any rules like no hitting?" Farr said.

After sharing about his time in the Peace Corps in Colombia, Farr went on to discuss the presidential election and the process of voting. When asked about President Obama, Farr said he planned to vote for him in November.

"Obama is running against (Mitt) Romney, and whoever gets the most votes wins," Farr said. "Well actually, it's more complicated than that. Not even adults can explain that."

Farr asked the students to come up with potential laws. The children proposed a variety of ideas such as not dumping trash into the ocean, gun control and driving the speed limit. When a student brought up lowering the age limit for voting so they could participate in the upcoming elections, Farr had them vote on what age they think would be ideal for someone to start voting.

The students voted nearly unanimously that the voting age should be lower, their hands waving high in the air.

Even if the students can't vote in the upcoming election, the school will still visit a voting center on Nov. 6 to see the process. After all, they're the country's future, Farr said.

"Everything I do in my life is about this planet, and these kids are inheriting it," Farr said. "They've got to be well prepared."